Blessed Henri Oza Motinot

Biography

Blessed Henri Oza Motinot, also known as Colombanus-Paul, was born on 1 August 1877 in Lyon, Rhåne, France. He was a devout Catholic who dedicated his life to the service of God as a monk and a member of the Marist Brothers of the Schools.

Motinot joined the Marist Brothers at a young age and showed great dedication to his religious studies. He was known for his piety and deep commitment to his faith, and he was greatly admired by his fellow brothers for his virtuous life.

In 1936, during the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, Motinot was sent to Spain on a mission to provide education and support to the local communities. However, tragically, he fell victim to the violent conflict and was martyred on 2 January 1937 in Cabezón de la Sal, Santander, Spain. His untimely death was a testament to his unwavering faith and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of others.

Motinot's life and martyrdom were recognized by the Catholic Church, and on 3 June 2013, Pope Francis declared him venerable, acknowledging his heroic virtues. Later, on 13 October 2013, Pope Francis beatified Motinot, recognizing him as a blessed martyr.

As a monk, Motinot lived a simple and humble life, devoting himself to prayer, contemplation, and selfless service to others. He embodied the ideals of the Marist Brothers, emphasizing the importance of education and spiritual guidance.

Motinot's feast day is celebrated on 2 January as a reminder of his life and martyrdom. On this day, Catholics honor his memory and seek his intercession for strength and courage in their own journeys of faith.

The beatification of Blessed Henri Oza Motinot serves as an inspiration to all believers, reminding them of the price that some faithful individuals have paid for their commitment to the Catholic faith. Motinot's life stands as a testimony to the power of faith and the conviction to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.